Highlights•Cell-free systems enable biochemical reactions in the absence of cell viability
constraints.•Cell-free metabolic engineering presents opportunities for biomanufacturing …

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy currency of life, has a central role in
numerous biochemical reactions with potential for the synthesis of numerous high-value …

The vision of assembling molecules in a manner similar to a factory, where parts pass from
workstation to workstation, is highly appealing. A key requirement to achieve such control …

d-Allulose, which can be used as a food additive or functional food, is an important low-
calorie functional rare sugar. The current commercial production of d-allulose is performed …

Biocatalysis is an attractive route for the synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as
pharmaceuticals, due to the properties of enzymes (high specificity and high catalytic rate) …

Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), a biologically active form of vitamin B12 (coenzyme B12), is
one of the most complex metal-containing natural compounds and an essential vitamin for …

Engineering synthetic minimal cells provide a controllable chassis for studying the
biochemical principles of natural life, increasing our understanding of complex biological …

Vitrimerization of thermoset polymers plays an important role in addressing resource
recovery and reuse. Vitrimer elastomers with good mechanical properties often require well …

Genetically engineered host bacteria have an extensive history for the production of specific
proteins including the synthesis of single enzymes for the modification of compounds …

Highlights•Cell-free chemical biosynthesis (CFCB) adds flexibility and control to
manufacturing.•CFCB enables modular assembly, flexible conditions, and direct access to …